Notary Public Permit Requirements in Dover, DE
Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Dover, Kent County, Delaware.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)FreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Delaware
1 stopDelaware — No Sales Tax
Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Official government source for Delaware — No Sales Tax (opens in a new tab)Free (gross receipts tax registration)Immediate (online)
Free (gross receipts tax registration)
Immediate (online)
City of Dover / Kent County
2 stopsDelaware Department of State — Notary Public Commission
Delaware notary commissions are issued by the Department of State through notary.delaware.gov, not the Division of Corporations (which handles entity filings only). Applications are submitted online. A new traditional notary commission is issued for a two-year term only; four-year terms are available at renewal.
Official government source for Delaware Department of State — Notary Public Commission (opens in a new tab)$60 (new traditional notary commission, 2-year term); renewal $60 for 2 years or $90 for 4 years2–6 weeks
$60 (new traditional notary commission, 2-year term); renewal $60 for 2 years or $90 for 4 years
2–6 weeks
City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License
Every business operating within Dover city limits must hold a city business license (City Code ch. 26, art. II), separate from any Certificate of Occupancy for the space. Fees are set per business-type category in Appendix F, most recently revised by Ordinance 2024-22 (adopted July 8, 2024). Manufacturers and contractors instead pay a rate on gross receipts, and merchants and bottlers a rate on gross purchases for resale, each with a minimum fee. Licenses are annual and prorated quarterly for businesses that start mid-year.
Official government source for City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License (opens in a new tab)Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).1–3 weeks
Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $50–$300 · 2–6 weeks
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